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Birthday Club

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Western Mass Autism Support Group

The Makeup Authority

Macaroni Kid Chicopee-Holyoke

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Wedding Inspirations

Celebrate National Foster Care Month


Dare Family Services is a private, non-profit social service agency with offices throughout Massachusetts. They provide intensive foster care, case management, and support services for abused and neglected children and their families. 

Attend their Open House in Springfield on June 6 from 4-6PM to learn how to become a Dare Foster Parent.

•Earn $350 a week (tax free; stipend)
•Join a great team of Foster Parents and Social Workers in helping children who have been abused or neglected
•Refreshments provided

Dare Family Services needs concerned, compassionate and committed individuals to ...

Getting Ready for Spring/Summer Outdoor Fun


It's been a long winter for some of us in northern climates, but it looks like it's finally spring and time to get ready for outdoor activities.

Here’s part of my spring to-do list to help you get ready for kid-friendly outings.

Kid’s Clothes

  • Check “spring” jackets and rain coats to see if they fit.
  • Check out last year’s rain boots and try them on.
  • Locate ball caps and sun hats.
  • Spend some time with your kids trying on summer shoes, t-shirts, and shorts to ...

Kids Bowl FREE All Summer


Macaroni Fun

Want to escape the heat this summer? Want the kids to get some excercise? Then you need to check out this FREE bowling program at kidsbowlfree.com. Your kids can bowl 2 FREE games of bowling each and every day of summer for FREE. 

SOME MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROGRAM
  • You can sign the kids up at multiple centers but you will need to create another account. Only one unique email address can be used to open an account, so you will need to register with another email address.
  • If ...

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood


May Book Club Title

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood is not your typical fairy tale. When a normal little girl dreams one night that she is a princess, she wakes up to realize her royal adventures aren't just a dream after all. She's not just a princess who wears pretty gowns and goes to balls though, she fearlessly stands up to dragons and tames trolls. 

Part-time Princess is a perfect balance between all things princess and a fearless girl who stands up for herself. This princess loves glamour, but she is also ...

Win an iPad Mini!


Subscribe to enter to win!

Macaroni Kid Chicopee-Holyoke delivers great information right to your inbox each week - local event listings, activities and crafts for your kids, book reviews, local business information, and more! So why isn't everyone subscribed? Macaroni Kid National thought that maybe a contest would help, and not just any contest - a contest where you could win an iPad Mini!
You heard right! Between now and June 15, every new subscriber to any of the 500+ Macaroni Kid editions will have a chance to win and iPad Mini! Help us get the ...

This Week's Picks:


May 16th through May 20th

Thursday, May 16 - Read Build and Play Lego Duplo Storytime

Barnes and Noble is hosting a special Hands-On Learning Event featuring Lego Duplo books and bricks. Learn to listen and build with the Lego Duplo Read and Build set Grow Caterpillar Grow! 
Where: Barnes & Noble Holyoke
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children ages 5 and under
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Contact Nicole Stephen - Community Realations Manager for more information. 413-532-1786

Saturday, May 18 - Armed Forces Day!

Join us in honoring & thanking those who have selflessly served our great country & keep us free! 
Where: Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: We say thank you to all Armed Forces members with a free ride.
For more info: http://www.holyokemerrygoround.org/

Saturday, May 18 through Saturday, July 27 - Public Ice Skating

About - The Fitzpatrick Ice Arena in Holyoke, MA is owned by the DCR and is proudly operated and managed by FMC Ice Sports. www.fmcicesports.com
Description - The Fitzpatrick Ice Arena is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts public ice skating facility, managed by FMC Ice Sports (Facility Management Corporation) since 2002. The arena is a full service skating facility offering an extensive variety of skating programs for all ages and abilities. The facility features a heated conference room and facilities for birthday parties.
Where: Fitzpatrick Arena, Holyoke, Ma
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Saturday ONLY!!)
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $5 admission & $5 skate rentals
For more info: For more information please visit the Calendar on the Fitzpatrick Arena Website

Monday, May 20 - Story Time

Storytime at the Holyoke Mall!
Where: Holyoke Mall, Upper Level by Pottery Barn
When: 11:00 AM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info:
www.holyokemall.com

This Week's Calendar:


November 6th through May 21st

Tuesday, November 6 through Tuesday, June 25 - Community Playgroup

A weekly group for parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Includes "Raising a Reader" program, free child development screening, and more!
Where: First Congregational Church 20 Lathrop Street West Springfield, MA
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Tuesday's Only)
Who: Parents & caregivers of babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
How: Register when you come.
Cost: Free
For more info: 413-764-7667 or 413-263-3323 or Email or Website

Saturday, January 5 through Sunday, August 30 - Drop-In Crafts

Visit the craft table in the children's department at any time duing the library's regular hours to do the weekly craft! New crafts are generally put out on Mondays.
Where:
Hubbard Library, 24 Center St., Ludlow, MA 01056 - Children's Department
When: during regular library hours
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: 583-3408 x.3 or Website

Wednesday, May 15 through Wednesday, June 5 - Story time - Little Walkers

Story time - Little Walkers - for Walkers.  Registration is required!  Program fills up quick, so call early!!!  ***There will be no story times during Thanksgiving week.***
Where: West Springfield Public Library - Youth Room
When: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM (WEDNESDAY ONLY)
Who: For Walkers ages 6 - 24 Months
How: Registration starts 10/29 for West Springfield residents and 10/30 for Non-residents.  Please call after 9 AM on the registration day or visit the Youth Room.
Cost: Free
For more info: Contact the Youth Department at 413-736-4561 X4

Wednesday, May 15 through Wednesday, June 5 - Story time - Little Walkers

Story time - Little Walkers - for Walkers.  Registration is required!  Program fills up quick, so call early!!!  ***There will be no story times during Thanksgiving week.***
Where: West Springfield Public Library - Youth Room
When: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM (WEDNESDAY ONLY)
Who: For Walkers ages 6 - 24 Months
How: Registration starts 10/29 for West Springfield residents and 10/30 for Non-residents.  Please call after 9 AM on the registration day or visit the Youth Room.
Cost: Free
For more info: Contact the Youth Department at 413-736-4561 X4

Wednesday, May 15 through Wednesday, June 5 - Super Storytime

Story time - For 4 and 5 Year Olds.  Registration is required!  Program fills up quick, so call early!!!  ***There will be no story times during Thanksgiving week.***
Where: West Springfield Public Library - Youth Room
When: 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM (WEDNESDAY ONLY)
Who: For Four and Five year olds
How: Registration starts 10/29 for West Springfield residents and 10/30 for Non-residents.  Please call after 9 AM on the registration day or visit the Youth Room.
Cost: Free
For more info: Contact the Youth Department at 413-736-4561 X4

Wednesday, May 15 through Wednesday, September 4 - Family Memory Book Event

No one can tell your family story better than you! Create a book that you and your family will treasure for years come. Each family will be provided with one complete album. Refill pages will be provided once initial album is complete. Attendees are asked to bring their own pictures. Additional scrap booking materials will be available for use.
Where: Children’s Activity Room at the Agawam Public Library.
When: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (The first Wednesday of every month)
Who: This program is designed for children ages 6-12 and their families.
How: Registration is limited to 15 families. Registration is required for each month
Cost: Free
For more info:
Visit www.agawamlibrary.org or call the Children’s Department at 789-1550 Ext. 3.

Thursday, May 16 through Thursday, June 6 - Story time - Terrific Threes

Story time - Terrific Threes for Three Year Olds.  Registration is required!  Program fills up quick, so call early!!!  ***There will be no story times during Thanksgiving week.***
Where: West Springfield Public Library - Youth Room
When: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM (TUESDAY ONLY)
Who: For Three Year Olds
How: Registration starts 10/29 for West Springfield residents and 10/30 for Non-residents.  Please call after 9 AM on the registration day or visit the Youth Room.
Cost: Free
For more info: Contact the Youth Department at 413-736-4561 X4

Friday, May 17 through Friday, May 31 - Story time - Toddling Twos

Story time - Toddling Twos for Two Year Olds.  Registration is required!  Program fills up quick, so call early!!!  ***There will be no story times during Thanksgiving week.***
Where: West Springfield Public Library - Youth Room
When: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM (FRIDAY ONLY)
Who: For Two Year Olds
How: Registration starts 10/29 for West Springfield residents and 10/30 for Non-residents.  Please call after 9 AM on the registration day or visit the Youth Room.
Cost: Free
For more info: Contact the Youth Department at 413-736-4561 X4

Sunday, May 19 through Sunday, June 16 - Strength & Conditioning

Whether you are training for a sport of looking for a way to stay active, this fun and challenging workout is for you!  All fitness levels are welcome.
Where: Ludlow Boys & Girls Club
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (7 Sundays Only)
Who: Ages 10 - 14
How: Register at the membership desk, limited space.
Cost: Fitness Members - $21, Ludlow Residents - $35, Non Residents - $49
For more info: Donna 413-583-2072 or Email

Monday, May 20 through Monday, July 8 - Yoga for Kids - Ages 5-13

12 Yoga sessions for kids
Where: Randall Boys & Girls Club - Ludlow, MA
When: MONDAYS ONLY!! Ages 5-8 5:00 - 5:40 PM, Ages 9-13 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 5 - 13
How: Just show up
Cost: Ludlow Residents: $60/12 class session (drop-in $5 per class), Non Residents: $84/12 class session (drop-in $7 per class)
For more info: Fitness Director Donna Boydston 413-583-2072 x212 or email

Tuesday, May 21 through Tuesday, June 4 - Story time - Little Crawlers

Story time - Little Crawlers - for Pre-walkers.  Registration is required!  Program fills up quick, so call early!!!  ***There will be no story times during Thanksgiving week.***
Where: West Springfield Public Library - Youth Room
When: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM (TUESDAY ONLY)
Who: For pre-walkers ages 6 months +
How: Registration starts 10/29 for West Springfield residents and 10/30 for Non-residents.  Please call after 9 AM on the registration day or visit the Youth Room.
Cost: Free
For more info: Contact the Youth Department at 413-736-4561 X4

Tuesday, May 21 - Preschool Story Time

Preschool story times are on Tuesday mornings at 10:30am. This traditional story time is designed for children ages 2.5 to 6 years of age and features entertaining picture books, finger-plays, songs, movement activities and theme-related crafts to take home. This program is an ideal experience for children prior to entering school as well as those currently in pre-school.
Where: Chicopee Public Library - Children's Room
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 2.5 to 6 years old
How: No registration required
Cost: Free
For more info: Call 594-1800 ext. 107

Tuesday, May 21 through Monday, July 29 - Family Board Game Night

This is an opportunity for families to join together & enjoy an evening of quality time with their own children. The Library has a wide variety of games already available, including such basics as “Candyland” & “Chutes and Ladders” for the very young, to “The Game of Life,” “Monopoly,” “Battleship,” and others for older youngsters.
Where: Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke City Hall Auditorium
When: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Tuesdays ONLY!)
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info:
Contact: Walter A. Haggerty, Telephone: 413-887-7929

Teen Scene:


Monday, May 20 through Monday, August 12 - Chess and Checkers Club

Newcomers are welcome as well as experienced players. Limited instruction and guidance will be available for beginners who require assistance
Where: Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke City Hall Auditorium
When: 6:00 PM (Mondays ONLY!)
Who: Preteens and teen agers
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info:
Contact: Walter A. Haggerty, Telephone: 413-887-7929

Plan Ahead:


May 26th through May 31st

Sunday, May 26 through Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Weekend

Join us in honoring & thanking those who have selflessly served our great country & keep us free!
Where: Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost:
All Veterans will be honored with a free ride.
For more info: http://www.holyokemerrygoround.org/

Tuesday, May 28 through Wednesday, May 29 - Armed Forces Day!

Join us in honoring & thanking those who have selflessly served our great country & keep us free!
Where: Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost:
All Veterans will be honored with a free ride.
For more info: http://www.holyokemerrygoround.org/

Wednesday, May 29 - Memorial Day

Join us in honoring & thanking those who have selflessly served our great country & keep us free!
Where: Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost:
All Veterans will be honored with a free ride.
For more info: http://www.holyokemerrygoround.org/

Thursday, May 30 - Pajama Story Time

Pajama Story Time is an evening family program. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and join us for stories and crafts. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the library as a family.
Where: Chicopee Public Library -  Chicopee Main Library - Children's Room
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Family/All ages
How: No registration is required
Cost: Free
For more info: Visit the Chicopee Public Library Website or Chicopee Public Library Children's Room, 594-1800 x107

Friday, May 31 - Music & Movement for Kids

Dance, Sing, and Move! Registration is not required.
Where: Chicopee Public Library - Community Room
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: 5 & under
How: No registration required
Cost: Free
For more info: Call 594-1800 ext. 107

Basil Shrimp Pasta


Macaroni Menu

Serves 6   Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
8 oz box of your favorite pasta… I used thin spaghetti. Angel hair would be great too!
1-1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
3 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 lb fresh medium shrimp, peeled, dev-eined and tails removed
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped basil
 
1. Cook pasta as directed ...

Gel Boards


Macaroni Made

I saw this awesome idea on Pinterest and it inspired me to try my own take on it! My kids love it and it was so easy and fun to make! 

Supplies:  
Hair gel (cheap stuff from the a dollar store)
Glitter
Duct tape
Cardboard
Clear plastic bag


Step 1: Measure approximately 5-6 ounces of hair gel and mix in as much glitter as you want!


Step 2: Pour mixture into a clear food storage bag and get as much air out as possible and seal bag.

Step 3: Measure ...

Mini Pancake Kabobs


Perfect for Mother's Day!

A simple and fun Mother's Day breakfast idea that the kiddos can help create! Use your imagination - toppings and flavor combinations are endless for these kabobs!

You will need:
Pancake mix - prepared as stated on the box

Toppings:
Berries - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries
Bananas
Sausage links

Tooth picks or skewers 

Directions:
  1. Prepare pancake batter as stated on box.
  2. Gather topping and cook, wash, slice as needed.
  3. Heat skillet and cook pancakes as directed on package.  We made "bite-size" pancakes, about 2 inches wide - some plain and some chocolate chip ...

Sunday Crepes


Perfect Breakfast for Mom!

I don't know how it started but my tradition is to make crepes on Sunday. The recipe below is very forgiving-- you can leave stuff out or change ingredients, and it still works. 


Ingredients:
  • 1-1/2 cups whole milk (I rarely have whole milk and have used almond milk, skim milk, and combinations of whatever is in the house)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar (I've used Stevia, only used 2 Tablespoons, again...forgiving)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Scant 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted. 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ...

Take A Colorful Nature Walk


Macaroni Fun

Make your next walk a hunt for specific colors (try this any time of the year). This is an easy project that can be made very simple as your time/ materials/ patience demands.

You’ll need:
  • An empty egg carton
  • Paints and paintbrushes
Paint the inside of an egg carton different colors. Encourage the children to mix colors together or add black or white to create different hues. 

Want it less messy? Use markers or crayons. 
Need it even easier? Place crayon pieces inside your egg carton, and/or use ...

Emmi Roth USA Supports Share Our Strengths


Kaltbach™ Cave-aged Le Gruyère® &Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese

Emmi Roth USA Supports Share Our Strength at Taste of the Nation
Orangeburg, NY – Emmi Roth USA, a leading provider of specialty cheeses
and premium fresh dairy products, is proud to announce its sponsorship of
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® events in conjunction with its
support of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign as part of the
brand’s commitment to ending hunger in America.
From coast to coast, Emmi is supporting four Taste of the Nation events,
which bring together chefs from across the ...

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Contest Ends 6/15/2013